Mazzolino shows the family talent

Savabeel

A family so successfully developed by Waikato Stud was again to the fore this afternoon at Te Rapa
where Mazzolino impressively shed her tag. Trained by Stephen Marsh for the Matamata nursery, the Savabeel filly’s class was evident when she trumped her rivals over 1400 metres in the hands of Craig Grylls.

He had partnered Mazzolino in her three previous placed runs, which included a runner-up finish in
last season’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO S.

This term, she resumed with a placing at Taupo and then finished a gallant third in the G3 Gold Trail S. Mazzolino was quickly into stride today before she settled in behind the pace and, after taking control on straightening, held a strong gallop to score by 2.5l.

Now a $14 chance for the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton, she is a sister to the G3 Bill
Ritchie H. winner Atishu with their dam the No Excuse Needed mare Posy.

She is a half-sister to Waikato Stud’s three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil, who has produced a trio of black-type performers in Grand De Flora, Grand Bouquet and Showdrop with the extended family also including G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Aegon.

Posy has an unraced two-year-old sister to Mazzolino and is due to foal again this season to Savabeel.

Recent News
14 July 2026

Tivaci’s Movie Night steals the show at Newcastle

A sister to the Gr.1 ATC Flight Stakes (1600m) winner Never Been Kissed, the Waikato Stud-bred and raced Movie Night (NZ) was rewarded for her consistency, breaking her maiden with an all-the-way win over 1400m at Newcastle for trainer Tom Charlton.

Read More
9 July 2026

Oilman’s stud stake could change course of NZ breeding

Eighteen months ago, Texas oilman Nelson Bunker Hunt walked through the lush Waikato pasture of Matamata’s Balcarres Stud and announced he wanted some just like it for his own.

Today he has-360 acres about a mile down the road which has been transformed from a dairy farm to one of New Zealand’s leading horse and cattle breeding establishments.

Read More